Why is Midjourney So Hard to Use?

UPDATE 20/08/2024: It appears that the web interface is now live for all users. simply log onto www.midjourney.com and the user interface is available!

If you've ever experimented with the world of AI-generated imagery, you've likely come across Midjourney. While it's a powerful tool capable of creating stunning visuals, I have spoken to countless students who have had a crack at it but struggled with the interface and even just getting logged on to the servers where you can generate your images.

The Discord Dilemma

At the moment, most people interact with Midjourney through a Discord account. Discord, for those unfamiliar, is essentially an online chat room. This setup can be problematic for a few reasons:

• Getting logged on: The whole process of getting logged on requires two accounts to be created and then when you access Midjourney it is via an initial chat which is shared with lots of other users.

• Image Management: Keeping track of images you've created can be a nightmare. With a constant stream of messages and images from other users, your creations can easily get lost in the shuffle.

• User Experience: The user experience is far from ideal. Navigating through Discord channels, finding your images can be a frustrating experience.

Top Tip for Current Users

If you’re still using Midjourney via Discord, there's a way to streamline your experience.

• Open a private chat with the Midjourney bot by right-clicking on it

• Then select "Message."

• This takes you to a private conversation where your images will not be mixed up with all the others (Although please note they will still be publicly available).

Use of Commands

Midjourney also requires users to input commands prefixed with / or --, which can be daunting for beginners. While these commands allow for a high degree of customization, they also necessitate a bit of training. For instance, specifying the resolution or aspect ratio of an image involves remembering and correctly typing these commands. However once you have this down it’s fairly easy to do.

In essence, the interface, while conversational, can feel more akin to using Photoshop than a straightforward tool like ChatGPT. This complexity can be a barrier for those who aren't tech-savvy or who are looking for a more intuitive experience.

Is Midjourney Worth the Trouble?

Despite these challenges, many users find Midjourney to be an invaluable tool. Here’s why:

• Superior Image Quality: The quality of images produced by Midjourney is often superior to other tools like DALL-E. For professionals and enthusiasts who need the best possible imagery for their projects, the $10 per month fee is well worth it.

• Imminent Interface Improvements: The good news is that Midjourney's interface is about to change. An alpha version of a new, custom-built interface is already available to many users. This new interface is  much easier and simpler to use, with less reliance on commands and a more intuitive user experience.

While Midjourney's current setup can be cumbersome, its potential is undeniable. The quality of its images and the upcoming improvements to its interface make it a worthwhile investment for those seeking top-tier AI-generated visuals. So, is MidJourney harder to use? Yes. But is it worth it? Absolutely. With a bit of patience and a willingness to learn, you can unlock the full potential of this powerful tool.

Want to know more about image generation? We cover this topic on our 1 Day Generative AI for Work Course delivered via zoom or in person.